Tillie Doyle
Installing a floor pan in a 1970 El Camino is a complex process. The first step is to purchase a floor pan, which can be bought in sections or as a whole. The El Camino Store offers sheet metal floor pans for restoration and replacement. The next step is to cut and trim the new panels to fit the car. This may involve removing the old panels and grinding out the old pan. To install the new panels, welding is required. It is important to take measurements and pictures during the process to ensure a precise fit. Additionally, an inexpensive flux core welder and an air compressor may be needed for the welding process.
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What You'll Learn
- The last 5 inches of the pan will need trimming due to rear floor pan brace clearance issues
- It is recommended to buy a whole new floor in four sections
- Use a flux core welder and an air compressor to run the grinder
- Drill landmark holes from underneath the floor to avoid slicing through the floor support braces
- Two-piece floor pans are easier to handle and install
The last 5 inches of the pan will need trimming due to rear floor pan brace clearance issues
When installing a floor pan in a 1970 El Camino, it is important to consider the issue of proper clearance for the rear floor pan brace. The rear floor pan brace is a crucial component that provides structural support and stability to the vehicle's floor pan. Unfortunately, the last 5 inches of the floor pan may not have adequate clearance to accommodate this brace due to differences in the depth of the floor pans across El Camino models.
The floor pans of the 1968-1972 El Camino models have distinct characteristics that set them apart from other years. The rear floor braces in these models are attached to the interior, resulting in a unique floor pan depth. This design choice can create challenges when it comes to achieving the necessary clearance for the transmission and drive line.
To address this issue, it is essential to modify the rear of the floor pan by trimming the last 5 inches. This modification ensures that the floor pan properly fits around the rear floor pan brace. It is important to note that this trimming should only be done after receiving the replacement floor pan to ensure accurate measurements and a precise fit.
In addition to the trimming, it is recommended to consider the extent of rust in the area. If there is significant rust, it may be more prudent to opt for full floor pan replacements, such as the El Camino Store's Full Floor Pans 09-0985 or 09-1047. These specific floor pans are designed to provide the necessary clearance for the rear brace while also addressing rust concerns.
By carefully following these instructions and considering the unique characteristics of the 1968-1972 El Camino models, you can ensure a proper fit for your floor pan installation, maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of your vehicle.
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It is recommended to buy a whole new floor in four sections
If you are looking to install a new floor pan in your 1970 El Camino, it is recommended to buy a whole new floor in four sections. This is because the El Camino floor pans take a lot of damage over the years and are rarely rust-free. The El Camino Store offers sheet metal floor pans from premium manufacturers to ensure factory-style contours and maximum rigidity.
You can find floor pans for your El Camino in four sections, including the front and rear for both the left and right sides. This option is available from various companies on eBay and other sites, such as Ground Up.com, Muscle Metal, and Sherman. The price for each section is around $99, plus shipping.
It is important to note that when replacing the floor pans, you might need to modify the rear by about 5 inches to ensure a proper fit. This is because the last 5 inches of the replacement pan do not have the correct clearance for the rear floor pan brace. Therefore, it is recommended to trim this area accordingly.
Additionally, consider the ease of installation when deciding whether to opt for a one-piece or multi-piece floor pan. A two-piece or four-piece floor pan is much easier to handle and install, as it allows you to work on one section at a time. This also limits the amount of passenger compartment internal brace tubing that you will need, which might even be unnecessary.
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Use a flux core welder and an air compressor to run the grinder
To install a floor pan in a 1970 El Camino, you may need to weld and grind. If you are using a flux core welder and an air compressor to run the grinder, here is what you need to know.
Flux core welding is a type of welding that uses a hollow wire electrode fed through the welding gun and into the joint. It is ideal for heavy-duty applications as it creates a very secure bond. It is also a good option for outdoor welding as it can be performed in a variety of conditions. Unlike MIG welding, flux core welding does not require a shielding gas to protect the weld pool. However, it will leave slag on top of the weld joint, which must be removed once the welding is complete.
Before you begin, ensure your work area is clean, especially the area where you will attach the ground clamp. Choose the right wire for your project. E71T-11 wire is a good all-around choice for beginners, working for a wide range of metals and thicknesses. For general-purpose use, a .030-inch wire is a good option. Thicker materials will require a heavier gauge, such as .035 or .045-inch wire. Set the correct voltage, amperage, and wire feed speed for your project, referring to your power source's reference guide or an online calculator.
When using a flux core welder, watch your stick-out. Too much or too little can impact the quality of your weld. With flux core welding, start with a 3/4-inch wire stickout. This is more than you would need for MIG welding but is the ideal starting point for flux core. Ensure your ground is correctly hooked up, and invest in a good-quality spool of wire. Prepare your joints by grinding them clean until you see shiny metal.
As a beginner, it is beneficial to learn with someone experienced in flux core welding who can guide you through the proper procedure and safety requirements. It has a steeper learning curve than gas welding, so be patient and practice on metal with a similar thickness to what you plan to weld.
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Drill landmark holes from underneath the floor to avoid slicing through the floor support braces
Drilling holes from underneath the floor of your 1970 El Camino requires careful planning to avoid damaging the floor support braces. Here are some detailed steps and instructions to help you with this task:
First, locate the floor support braces from underneath your El Camino. These braces provide structural support to the vehicle's floor, and drilling holes in them could compromise the integrity of the floor pan. Mark their locations clearly to avoid any mistakes.
Next, identify safe areas to drill your landmark holes. Choose spots that are away from the floor support braces and any other critical components. It is crucial to select areas that will not affect the structural integrity or functionality of the vehicle when drilled.
Use a stud finder or a similar tool to locate the centre of a bay or a clear area between the floor support braces. This tool will help you identify the areas free of obstructions where you can safely drill your holes.
Once you have identified a safe drilling location, select the appropriate drill bit for the task. Consider the material you will be drilling into and choose a bit that is suitable for the specific type of metal or surface you are working with.
Now, with your drill bit selected, operate the drill with a firm and steady hand. Apply firm, steady pressure to the drill to create your landmark holes. Ensure the holes are deep enough to serve their intended purpose but not so deep that they compromise the structure of the floor.
By following these steps, you can successfully drill landmark holes from underneath the floor of your 1970 El Camino while effectively avoiding any damage to the crucial floor support braces. Remember to work carefully and double-check your measurements and locations before drilling.
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Two-piece floor pans are easier to handle and install
When it comes to installing a floor pan in a 1970 El Camino, opting for a two-piece floor pan can make the process more manageable. Here's why two-piece floor pans are easier to handle and install:
Ease of Handling
Two-piece floor pans are more straightforward to work with because they are less cumbersome than one-piece pans. Their smaller size makes them lighter and easier to manoeuvre, especially in the confined space of a car interior. This can be crucial when trying to position the pan accurately and securely.
Simplified Installation
With a two-piece floor pan, you only need to remove half of the old floor pan at a time. This means you can leave the drive shaft tunnel intact, reducing the amount of passenger compartment internal brace tubing required, if any at all. In contrast, a one-piece pan often necessitates removing more of the original flooring and brace tubing, making the process more complex and time-consuming.
Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness
Two-piece floor pans offer flexibility in terms of repair scope. If only one section of your El Camino's floor is damaged, you can opt to replace just that half, saving time and money. Additionally, if you need to replace the entire floor, having two pieces allows for more straightforward adjustments and fitting, as each piece can be fine-tuned independently.
Ease of Transportation and Storage
Two-piece floor pans are typically more compact and easier to transport than one-piece pans. This can be advantageous when sourcing the parts and bringing them to your workspace. Moreover, storing a two-piece floor pan requires less space, which can be beneficial if you're working in a limited area or need to keep the parts before installation.
Versatility in Coverage
While floor pan halves may not always be true halves, they often provide more coverage than standard patch panels. They can address larger areas of damage or rust, reducing the number of patches needed. This versatility contributes to their ease of installation and overall effectiveness in restoring your El Camino's floor.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some tips for installing a floor pan in a 1970 El Camino:
- Take pictures and measurements before beginning the installation.
- Trace the floor pans and grind out the old pan, then weld the new pans into the solid sections.
- Use an inexpensive flux core welder and a decent air compressor to run the grinder.
- Drill "landmark" holes from underneath the floor along the edges of the floor support braces to guide your drilling and avoid slicing through the braces.
- Trim your new pan larger than needed, screw it down, trace it onto the old floor, and then remove the new piece and cut out the old floor.
The El Camino Store offers sheet metal floor pans for 1968-1972 El Caminos, which includes the 1970 model. Ground Up and Muscle Metal are also recommended suppliers.
It doesn't appear so. One forum user stated that they had never seen an aftermarket one-piece pan, and recommended a two-piece kit from Original Parts Group (OPGI) as an alternative.
Yes, some El Camino floor pans require modification to fit properly. For example, the last 5 inches of the Eckler's El Camino Full Floor Pan With Hump may need to be trimmed due to insufficient clearance for the rear floor pan brace.
You will likely need a grinder, a spot weld remover, a drill, and welding equipment.
